Laserfiche WebLink
<br />~ <br />~ <br />00 <br /> <br />Page 3 <br /> <br />Natural Resources, in consultation with our Wildlife Division, sought to identify <br />nearby lands which could be used to mitigate losses of project lands. After consider- <br />able,study, we were able to identify non-irrigated lands that would largely offset <br />losses to existing sage grouse and antelope. The'State of Colorado, therefore, <br />requested the sum of $1.5 million to acquire up to 16,000 acres of land to be managed <br />by the Colorado Division of Wildlife primarily for wildlife purposes. The Division of <br />Wildlife would use special seeding, planting, fertilizing and selective vegetation <br />contro 1 s to enhance habitat. The Bureau of Rec 1 ama ti on consented to th i s reques t <br /> <br />for the acquisition and management of habitat and it was included within the project <br /> <br />design. <br /> <br />The Bureau of Reclamation also agreed to provide game crossings across conveyance <br /> <br />systems, and fencing material for construction of elk and deer proof storage areas. <br /> <br />Special fenced areas adjacent to the reservoir would be managed by the Wildlife Division, <br /> <br />We are not Only pleased that the Bureau of Reclamation has accepted our recommenda- <br /> <br />tions, but that as a result we believe an acceptable balance has been achieved between <br /> <br />accomplishment of the project's agricultural enhancement objectives along with <br /> <br />satisfactory mitigation of the major environmental impacts. <br />That brings me to a final point which has been persuasive in Colorado's intensive <br /> <br />review of this project, We have stated repeatedly that if the project is not built <br />under public auspices, water will not be developed for agriculture and will eventually <br />be ava il ab 1 e to the holders of juni or ri ghtsor those who acqui re new water ri ghts. <br />It will be unfortunate from land-use, environmental. and social standpoints if this <br />region cannot improve its agricultural strength. With that strength will come the <br />preservation of a diversified economy in northwest Colorado. <br />No one should doubt that the waters of Slater Creek and the Little Snake will be <br /> <br />developed. In this energy rich region where agricultural waters could easily go to <br /> <br />the conversion of coal for out-of-state markets, we hope the President and opponents <br />